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Dietmar Hamann is confident Bayern Munich can deal with Neymar's dramatics in Sunday's Champions League final, but warned that the German giants cannot afford to slip up against Paris Saint-Germain's star players.

Although Neymar has played a pivotal role this season for Ligue 1 champions PSG, scoring 19 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions, he has not been able to shake off his reputation for being overly theatrical on the field.

Neymar's displays may be irritating for ex-Bayern midfielder Hamann, but he is aware the 28-year-old, alongside France star Kylian Mbappe, could prove devastating in the European decider if the German giants are not careful.

He wrote in a column for Sky: “What I always dislike about PSG games are Neymar's show performances, but Bayern can live with that in midfield.

“What they have to prevent is Neymar getting into dangerous positions in and around the penalty area. There he is technically just outstanding and can hurt you.

"Bayern have to make it clear to him right from the start that it won't be that easy today. The Brazilian has to prove that he can lead a team to the biggest title. I still have great doubts.

“Also, Mbappe must be prevented from starting with the ball. Then it will be incredibly difficult to control. These situations have to be nipped in the bud beforehand. Then you rob them of their great strength - but anyone who, besides Mbappe and Neymar, likes must not be forgotten is Angel Di Maria.

"The Argentine can also make the difference, RB Leipzig felt it. That shouldn't happen to Bayern.

“These three stars alone show that the individual quality as well as the speed and technique at PSG are outstanding. However, for me as a team and in interaction they don't harmonise as much as Bayern do.”

Indeed, the former Bayern midfielder believes Hansi Flick’s team will run out clear winners against their French counterparts.

He said: “It will be important that the players are wide awake and aggressive from the start against PSG. Because that's how you put PSG under pressure right from the start, force them to long balls and give the attackers little time on the ball from the start.

“In addition, Bayern then have to act safer on the ball than they did in the semi-finals. Of course, you can't afford to make slight mistakes against the top stars Neymar, Kylian Mbappe or Angel Di Maria."

He continued: “Both teams deserve to be in the final, but I don't see PSG on a par with Bayern. The performance against RB Leipzig was good. But RB also made Thomas Tuchel's team look better than they really are.

“For me, no team is fitter than Bayern. And the physical component should not be underestimated after a tight final round. In addition, no other team in Europe has a wider chest than the German record champions. Therefore, I bet on a clear 4-1 Bayern win in the final!”

Cape Town City midfielder Mpho Makola has recalled how he ended up at Orlando Pirates and not Kaizer Chiefs. 

In 2012, Makola joined the Buccaneers from Free State Stars, and he admits he was also wanted by Amakhosi; the team he played for during his youth days.

Makola said he wanted to go back to Chiefs from Free State Stars but Bobby Motaung didn't answer his call on the day he was supposed to meet the Amakhosi football manager. 

He was then called in by Pirates at Mayfair and when Motaung returned his call, he couldn't answer as he was already in discussion with management.  

And looking back, Makola feels Motaung's failure to answer his phone was a blessing in disguise. 

"I grew up at Chiefs. A part of me wanted to go back to Chiefs," Makola told Far Post. 

"On the day I was supposed to meet Bobby, he didn’t pick up the phone. When he tried calling me later, I was now at Mayfair (Orlando Pirates office) and I didn’t pick up the phone. It was a blessing in disguise that Bobby didn’t answer," he recalled.

Makola would go and spend seven seasons with the Sea Robbers, and he doesn't regret that he failed to rejoin his boyhood club Amakhosi.   

"I don’t have any regrets at all. It’d have been something beautiful to return to Chiefs but I guess it was God’s way. I had the best seven seasons of my career at Pirates," he added.

The Alexandra-born midfielder was instrumental in Pirates reaching two continental finals - the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup in 2013 and 2015 respectively. 

In July 2019, Makola was released by Pirates after losing his place in the team the season before. 

He was signed by Cape Town City and remains one of the integral players of their squad despite being 34 years of age. 

In June this year, Cape Town City handed Makola a new one-year deal after doing his best for the club since the arrival of Jan Olde Riekerink last year.  

The coach who was influential in City signing Makola was Benni McCarthy but he was sacked a few months into the player's contract. 

Ambitious Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC have appointed Stephen Otieno Ochiel as their new technical director.

Ochiel is a known football agent in the country and Wazito believe his arrival will act as a catalyst to their ambition of becoming a force in the top-tier.

“Wazito have appointed him [Stephen Ochiel] as the new technical director. We believe his addition will help us accelerate our race to achieve our league targets,” a source privy to the development told Goal on Friday.

Former Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi was the last occupant of the technical director's position during the recent troubled Wazito’s time in KPL.

Ochiel has handled many players and was the one who sealed John Makwatta’s move to Zambian Super League side Zesco United.

The manager has also been mostly involved with the transfer activities of KPL heavyweights Gor Mahia.

Bernard Ondiek, Maurice Ojwang, Joash Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Kenneth Muguna and Joachim Oluoch are some of the players Ochiel facilitated moves to the Green Army.

Most of the players that Ochiel handles hail from the Kisumu region but, with his widespread influence in the transfer market, he has seen them join top-tier teams away from the region.

Nzoia Sugar and Western Stima are other clubs that have mostly done transfer deals with Ochiel.

Wazito have so far completed their seventh signing in a bid to have a good campaign once the new season starts.

After promotion in 2019, the Nairobi club made big-name signings in the last two transfer windows but they failed to make much of an impact in the top league.

Jackson ‘Pogba’ Juma, a defensive midfielder and who is an alumnus of Kisumu Day High School and a former AFC Leopards star, is the latest player the former National Super League (NSL) champions announced on Friday.

Former AFC Leopards’ Vincent Oburu, Mark Otieno from Leads United, Kevin Kimani from Mathare United, former Gor Mahia winger Boniface Omondi, ex-Western Stima’s Edwin Omondi, and Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu from Nairobi City Stars are the players Wazito have signed.

Liverpool are ready to sell Marko Grujic this summer, with Hertha Berlin leading the race for the midfielder.

Grujic has spent the past two seasons on loan with the Bundesliga club, but Liverpool believe a third temporary move would not be in the player’s best interests.

Instead, they will look to negotiate a permanent deal for the 24-year-old, who is valued at around £20 million ($26m).

Hertha are keen to re-sign the Serbian international, with reports in Germany suggesting they would look to strike another loan deal, this time with an obligation to buy next summer. Liverpool, though, are aware of interest from elsewhere and would be unlikely to sanction such a move.

Two more Bundesliga clubs, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach, are keen on Grujic. Both, along with Werder Bremen, tried to sign him on loan last summer, while Champions League quarter-finalists Atalanta are another to have made enquiries.

Crystal Palace, too, are understood to have made contact with Grujic’s agent, while Aston Villa have discussed the possibility of a deal – though the Midlands club are more likely to go after Philip Billing, the Bournemouth midfielder, as they look to beef up Dean Smith’s squad.

Grujic was Jurgen Klopp’s first signing as Liverpool manager back in January 2016, joining from Red Star Belgrade in a £5m ($6.5m) deal. 

He has made 14 competitive appearances for the Reds since, the last of which came at Brighton in December 2017.

Since then, he has enjoyed a productive spell with Cardiff, who he helped earn promotion to the Premier League, and then two seasons with Hertha, where he has made a total of 54 appearances, scoring nine times.

He has settled well in Berlin, moving into an apartment in the city centre, and was a key figure under new coach Bruno Labaddia post-lockdown. Hertha finished the season 10th in the Bundesliga, having flirted with relegation earlier in the campaign.

Speaking exclusively to Goal back in January, Grujic insisted he had not given up hope of forcing his way into Klopp’s plans at Anfield.

“I know it’s going to be tough,” he said. “I’m not stupid. I know that Liverpool right now are an unbelievable team, the best team in the world. So, I know that I have to be at a very high level if I want to have a chance. Next season, who knows, hopefully I am ready to jump up with the team. That is what I hope for.”

Grujic is likely to feature as Liverpool take on Stuttgart in a pre-season friendly in Salzburg on Saturday (5pm UK time). 

Klopp is expected to give new signing Kostas Tsimikas his first run-out, while the likes of Rhian Brewster, Takumi Minamino and Xherdan Shaqiri will all be looking to catch the eye.

Youngsters Harvey Elliott, Sepp van den Berg, Ki-Jana Hoever and Billy Koumetio, the 17-year-old defender, should also be involved.

Angers have confirmed Rayan Ait-Nouri has contracted coronavirus and will not be involved when they take on Dijon in their opening Ligue 1 game of the 2020-21 season on Saturday.

The Black and Whites carried out health tests ahead of the kick-off of the French top-flight and the result showed the Algerian defender has tested positive for Covid-19.

The 19-year-old has been quarantined and will have to test negative before rejoining the rest of Stephane Moulin’s side.

The situation, will, however, not prevent their clash against Dijon, as clubs in the division are permitted to play, provided the number of infected players in their ranks is not more than three.

“Thursday 20 August, the Angers group had their ninth Covid-19 PCR screening test,” read a statement from the club website.

“The results are in and point to a positive case within the professional workforce - this is Rayan Ait Nouri.

“The player concerned, who did not present symptoms, was placed in 14-day isolation and the whole team, staff included, remain under the reinforced surveillance of the club doctor.

“New tests will be carried out next week and Ait Nouri will be subject to additional examinations prior to his return.

“We remind you that the training centre is closed to the public. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid contact with players and staff, including on match days.  

“We hope, like you, that this period will be as short as possible and we are counting on your understanding. The team remains united and motivated for the trip to Dijon this Saturday, August 22.”

Ait-Nouri has been with Angers since 2016 when he joined the youth setup, having previously featured for AS Val de Fontenay, ASF Le Perreux 94 and Paris FC.

He was promoted to the senior team in 2018 and has since featured in 20 league games for the  Stade Raymond Kopa outfit, including 17 in the 2019-20 season.

Ait-Nouri has featured for France U18 and U21 but he is still eligible to play for Algeria since he has not made an appearance for the Blues senior side.

Arsenal will not “get anywhere near the top four” without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, says Ray Parlour, with the former Gunners star hoping that “positive signs” will lead to a new contract being signed.

No fresh terms have been agreed as yet with the prolific Gabonese frontman, who has entered the final 12 months of his current deal.

Arsenal have, however, secured European qualification for 2020-21 – courtesy of Aubameyang’s match-winning brace in an FA Cup triumph – and have been locked in talks with their captain for some time.

Mikel Arteta has stated his confidence regarding an extended stay for a key man, while the player himself has dropped regular hints that he is going nowhere.

Parlour is among those now waiting on official confirmation of a compromise being reached, with Aubameyang likely to join Mesut Ozil in being handed a lucrative wage packet at Emirates Stadium.

“You can’t replace those goals that he scores. The signs are positive that he might stay, which would be great news,” ex-Gunners midfielder Parlour told talkSPORT.

“I see the relationship with the manager, which is so important. You can see when the final whistle went against Chelsea – Arteta straight over to Aubameyang. I know he scored the two goals but you can see that the relationship is pretty good.

“It’s going to come down to money, what are you going to have to pay him?

“The problem is we’ve got Ozil sitting on £350,000-a-week and Aubameyang’s going to say ‘I want the same’. His representatives can say ‘wait a minute, there’s a player out there who is not even playing so we want 350-a-week’. Whether that can do a deal at 250 or 275, I think that’s what they will be aiming for.

“If he does leave, there aren’t enough goals around the team to get anywhere near the top four.”

Arsenal are hoping to force their way back into contention for Champions League qualification as they prepare to take in a fourth successive season outside of the European elite.

Experienced Brazilian forward Willian has been acquired to help aid that quest, with the promise of more arrivals to come, and tying Aubameyang to a new deal would offer the Gunners a timely boost ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

As he concedes Khama Billiat is not having a great season so far, Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp accepts his star player needs help to regain his form in the final third.

The German manager is looking to guide his troops to glory over Stellenbosch on Sunday in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as they look to stretch their lead at the top, he also looks at their previous results, saying they didn’t expect them.

Amakhosi got their season underway with a draw against Bidvest Wits, beat Polokwane City but succumbed to a 3-1 loss at the hands of Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night.

“We know it hasn’t been a great season for Khama, but everybody knows that he has huge potential and we can only support him and put him in the next movement, and expect that he can do better,” Middendorp told the media.

The Soweto giants still enjoy a six-point lead at the summit from 25 matches, they will be gunning for a win over Stellies and Middendorp says they knew they still had to improve against Phunya Sele Sele.

“Nobody was aware of the current situation. Nobody said, ‘You have to open a book on page 85 and see what will happen at this certain time,'” he added.

“In the camp, with the experience of playing the tournament, the second and third week is the most critical.

“But nobody is aware of it. The results that we’ve seen in the past match-days is not what was expected, but it was a chance for every team [that’s chasing something] to be successful.

“We knew that not everything was complete after playing against Polokwane City.”

As he challenges the Naturena-based club to focus on their race, the former Maritzburg United boss says they didn’t look at Mamelodi Sundowns' loss to Cape Town City on Monday before facing Celtic.

“It was not a situation that since another team hasn’t picked up the points, I got carried away and thought everything was fantastic [heading into the game against Celtic]. It was not about that at all,” continued the German manager.

Meanwhile, second-placed Masandawana will look to narrow the gap to three points as they face the Team of Choice on Friday evening at Lucas Moripe Stadium and erase their loss to the Citizens.

Barcelona have welcomed another familiar face back to Camp Nou, with the Liga giants confirming that Henrik Larsson is to form part of Ronald Koeman’s coaching team.

Another summer of change is being taken in by the Catalan outfit.

Struggles throughout the 2019-20 campaign led to two coaches being relieved of their duties, with Quique Setien heading in the same direction as Ernesto Valverde.

An SOS call has been put out to Koeman, with the Dutchman returning to a club that he helped to their first European Cup triumph during a memorable playing career.

He will not be the only iconic figure gracing the dugout next season, with Larsson set to slot in alongside him.

The Swede, who was a fearsome frontman in his day, joins Alfred Schreuder as part of Koeman’s backroom staff.

Larsson is another who spent time at Camp Nou when at the peak of his powers, with a move to Catalunya made on the back of a goal-laden stint at Celtic.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Alfred Schreuder and Henrik Larsson for their incorporation to the technical staff headed by Ronald Koeman. Both have signed until June 30, 2022,” read a statement released on the Blaugrana’s official website.

“Koeman and Larsson saw their paths cross as players, as they both played for Feyenoord between 1995 and 1997. Now, 23 years later, they will meet again at Camp Nou, where they both enjoyed glory as players. As a manager, Larsson has coached Falkenberg and Helsingborg in Sweden, his native country.

“In addition, Alfred Schreuder, born in Barneveld (Holland) on November 2, 1972 will also be part of the staff . He is an expert in strategy and boasts extensive experience in both the Netherlands and Germany. Schreuder has been part of the staff at Hoffenheim, where he managed to qualify for the Champions League, and also of Ajax in 2018-19, where he worked with [Frenkie] de Jong and impressed a Europan audience by reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“Henrik Larsson, born on September 20, 1971 in Helsingborg (Sweden), was a striker with a great nose for goals, unrivalled ability and intelligence in his movements and way of handling the ball. The Swede came to Barca in 2004 from Celtic Glasgow. During the two seasons that he wore the Barça shirt, he gave a great performance, playing 62 games and scoring 22 goals. With FC Barcelona he won a Champions League, two Leagues and a Spanish Super Cup.”

Willian says he joined Arsenal to win the Champions League and was convinced by coach Mikel Arteta’s desire to lead the Gunners to European glory.

The Brazilian winger joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea, signing a three-year contract. Willian spent seven years at Stamford Bridge and won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and a Europa League crown.

The 32-year-old has his heart set on the Champions League trophy, however, and he believes he can achieve it with Arsenal after talks with his new boss.

“One of the reasons I wanted a three-year deal was to be part of a plan, not just a player passing through,” Willian told The Sun. “When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years. It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left. That was what I wanted to hear.

“I was at Chelsea for seven years and won everything except the Champions League. Hopefully this move will give me the trophy I haven’t got as well as another Premier League title.

“Maybe [I could have won it with Chelsea], but everyone knows what the problem was. They thought because I was coming to the age of 32 they couldn’t give me a three-year contract.

“I felt I had proved my fitness, that I was as good as ever and that I deserved that deal.

"Frank Lampard wanted me to stay. He was picking me in more games than I’d probably ever started there. Before, I was playing two games then being left on the bench, which I know is part of football, but I was enjoying myself playing more.

“The manager showed a lot of faith in me and I think I repaid it. But Arsenal have given me what I wanted and now I will show they have made a good decision.

“My age is no big thing. If you look after yourself, live right and train right, today’s players can still be at top level when they are 35. For me it is not a problem. I have a lot to play for with Brazil too and I want to be at the next World Cup. If I do well at Arsenal then that will happen.”

The former Shakhtar star is confident he can strengthen his new side’s attack as they look to challenge for silverware in Arteta’s first full campaign at the helm.

He said: “Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I see this as changing from one big club to another. It is expected we should be challenging for all the titles. I know what is needed to do that because I was very successful at Chelsea. This is a club which deserves to shine again.

“I have been here for seven years and the Premier League is the best place to play in the world. That’s why, in the past, I didn’t move to Spain or Italy.

“I like it in England so much and I still feel I can improve and make a team like Arsenal better. I’m not a superman but with the help of the good players around me we can achieve great things.”

Manchester United have had the transfer door left open by Bournemouth over David Brooks, with new Cherries boss Jadon Tindall admitting all players are available for the right price.

A mass exodus of top talent appears to be on the cards at the Vitality Stadium. With relegation having been suffered out of the Premier League, bigger clubs are circling Bournemouth.

Manchester City have already picked off Dutch defender Nathan Ake in a £40 million deal ($53m), while Aaron Ramsdale has linked up with Sheffield United as their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Other deals are expected, with England international striker Callum Wilson among those generating plenty of interest.

Brooks is another catching the eye, with the talented Welsh playmaker having a move to Old Trafford mooted.

It remains to be seen whether United will meet an asking price that is reported to have been set at £40m, as they are also chasing down the likes of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, but Bournemouth will not block the path of anyone who attracts a sizeable bid.

New Cherries boss Tindall has told the Bournemouth Echo: "I think first and foremost there's a lot that's got to happen.

"We as a football club have got a value of what we believe for our players and if that value is met then players have got the opportunity to then discuss with whoever they need to discuss with and then make the decision they feel is right for them.

"But first and foremost, it needs to be right for the football club and once it's right for the football club then, as you've seen in the past, I don't think it's a club that will stand in anybody's way providing that the club's happy with and it meets the valuation of the player.

"Until any offers come in for any players then they remain in Bournemouth regardless anyway. The squad are happy here. They know they're at a fantastic club and it's a club that's going places and want to achieve something this year.

"I think when you've got that purpose as a player where you're going into a season where you're looking to be successful and achieve something, I think it's a great thing to have and people want to be a part of that."

Gwambina FC have revealed they are ready to take on the best in the Mainland Premier League in this campaign.

The Mwanza-based club was among the three to earn promotion to the top-flight and their chairman Omary Mmassi now believes they are ready for the challenges that come with taking part in the big stage.

“The team is already in camp with a total of 25 players though the number is expected to increase according to the wishes of our coaches,” Mmassi is quoted by Daily News.

“We will do our best and make sure we don’t fail our Mwanza fans, we are ready for the challenge.”

Mwanza will now have one team in the top-flight after the relegation of Alliance and Mbao FC at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The team has already started training with 25 players including Mohamed Makaka, Isihaka Ibrahim, Stali Nyambe, Mohamed Hussein who are goalkeepers.

The defenders are Revocatus Richard, Salum Kipaga, Hamad Nassor, Anthony Matogolo, Aron Lulambo, Lameck Daniel, Baraka Mtui 'Popa' and Novatus Lufunga.

The midfielders are Yusuph Kagoma, Yusuph Lwenge 'Dunia' Salim Juma Sheshe, Rajab Athuman, Said Mkangu and Jacob Massawe.

The strikers are Meshack Abraham, Jimmyson Steven, Paul Nonga, Kapama Kibaden, Moric Mahela, Japhet Makalai and Miraji Saleh.

A week ago, the club confirmed they have signed 12 players including goalkeepers Mohamed Makaka from Ruvu Shooting and Stali Nyambe from Buildcon FC of Zambia while defenders include Aron Lulambo from KMC, Moric Mahela from Stand United­ and Baraka Mtui 'Popa' from Ruvu Shooting FC.

Other are Novartus Lufunga who served Lipuli, Said Mkange from Sahare FC while strikers include Paul Nonga from Lipuli, Lameck Daniel from Biashara United, Japhet Makalai from Kagera Sugar and Miraji Saleh who formerly served Stand United.

The club also received a huge boost with key players renewing their contracts among them Mohamed Hussein, Isihaka Ibrahim, Revocatus Richard, Salum Kipaga, Hamad Nassor, Anthony Matogolo, Yusuph Kagoma,Yusuph Lwenge, Salim Sheshe, Rajab Athuman, Jacob Massawe, Meshack Abraham, Jimmyson Steven and Kapama Kibadeni.

Gwambina were promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL) after they beat Pamba FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

The club, which was only founded a year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they had accumulated 44 points from 20 matches.

Gwambina won 13 games, drew in five, and lost in two other matches. 

Gwambina were promoted alongside Ihefu and Dodoma Jiji while Mbao FC were relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC and Singida United. 

Former Sevilla star Coke believes the team's 'love relationship' with the Europa League has helped propel them into four of the last seven finals in the competition.

The five-time Europa League winners will take on Inter in Saturday's final after a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Manchester United in their semi-final.

Coke, who is now at Levante after featuring in Sevilla's three consecutive Europa titles between 2014-16, feels his former club have built a relationship with the competition and helped to grow it through their success.

"The fact is that the special moments that Sevilla has experienced with the Europa League they have not experienced in another competition," Coke told Goal. "Sevilla has helped this competition grow and be highly recognized and the Europa League titles have helped Sevilla be known at European and world level.

"This love relationship is true that can be seen in events such as [Andres] Palop's goal, [Stephane] Mbia's goal or the other day in those 10 minutes [against Man Utd] in which [Yassine] Bounou stopped a few [shots]. 

"Sevilla bet and have bet for many years on this competition and they always give it back."

While Sevilla will be slight underdogs for the final against Inter, Coke sees the match as being a close battle that could possibly be decided by one or two goals.

"Sevilla have shown that they are great and they will compete in the final," Coke said. "Inter is a great team that if they defend deep, they can get in behind. They have very good players who can make a difference.

"Sevilla have a lot of heart, I think they can dominate the game in many phases of the game, I have no doubts. I don't think it will be a game with many goals and, how accurate the people at the top are, will determine the game because I see it as quite even."

Sevilla won the first of their five Europa League titles in 2006 against Middlesbrough before clinching it again the next season versus fellow La Liga side Espanyol.

Their treble of titles in the competition between 2014-16 came via finals against Benfica, Dnipro and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola would “be in trouble” if he were manager of Barcelona or Real Madrid, claims Yaya Toure, with the Catalan having been appointed by Manchester City to deliver Champions League glory.

European success has once again eluded those at the Etihad Stadium in 2020. A shock quarter-final defeat to Lyon means that City’s long wait for continental glory is set to continue.

Guardiola has claimed the Champions League crown before, but his last triumph came back in 2011 when still in charge of a star-studded Barca side.

Toure believes recent failures would not be tolerated at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu, with City needing to ask questions of whether their coach can land the prize they covet most.

“Maybe if it was Barcelona or maybe Real Madrid, for sure he’s going to be in trouble,” the former City and Blaugrana midfielder told Express Sport. “We don’t have to be in any doubt that he has been brought to City to win the Champions League.

“Now people are finding a way to say he’s coming just for the league or for anything. But you cannot lie about that because the budget the club have been giving to him year after year, he needs to have the trophy. He needed to have it. When you bring in a manager of this calibre he needs to have results.”

Toure added: “Of course, Pep’s good but people are going to demand a bit more from him because of what they give to him. The expectations are going to be high. There’s not any club in the world like City can spend millions of pounds on players - young players and quality players are expensive.

“When you get these things, you have to give the trophy to the club. I don’t know what the board are thinking, it’s them that is going to make this kind of decision. I know City, they can have whatever manager they want because everybody knows they got the money to do it.”

Guardiola saw his tactical approach criticised against Lyon, but Toure feels that may be only part of the problem for City.

The Ivorian said: “To be honest, these days what happens is all about man-management. You have to feel the players want to play for you.

“So many players don’t want to play with you then in a few weeks maybe the manager is going to be sacked. The player needs the confidence of his manager and the manager needs his players as well.

“For me, as a player, I always believe if you have to give 100 per cent then you have to give 100 per cent to the right person and the person who deserves my sacrifice. You cannot do things for people now if there’s no confidence or trust and it’s quite hard. The players have to be with the manager.”

Premier League (UPL) side Police FC have signed Arnold Ssembuya from Ugandan Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF FC).

Ssembuya joins the cops on a three-year deal as Abdalla Mubiru strengthens the side that almost got relegated in the cancelled 2019/20 season.

“I feel good joining Police because it is one of the best teams in Uganda. I’m promising to work hard for the best,” Ssembuya said as was quoted by Sports Nation after completing the move.

Police have signed seven players since the transfer window was opened by the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (Fufa). The new players are Eric Ssenjobe, Hassan Muhamood, Sammon Oloka, Muwadda Mawejje, Tom Ikara and Tonny Mawejje.

Ssembuya is a Masaza Cup 2016 winner and he scored a penalty in the shootout against Gomba then.

In the Regional League, he was the skipper of Kyebando FC.

Mubiru and Police Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fahad Lumu have vowed to revamp and improve the squad and the latest addition says it all.

They have preferred to sign experienced stars ahead of the next season that is expected to start on October 17.

Meanwhile, Malaba Youth Development Association (MYDA FC) have extended Eric Mutebi’s contract.

The midfielder has been tied with a further three-year contract although he did not take part in any action last season as he was injured.

“He is now fine and back to play for the team, but he played for us in the regional league and he was part of the team that was promoted to the Big League,” Mika Andre, MYDA FC's head of communications, told Sports Nation.

Mutebi, who previously played for Kansai Plascon, has been given jersey number 10 at the new Premier League club.

“I am really happy that I have recovered from my injury and agreed to terms with the club on my contract extension of three years,” the midfielder said.

“It’s bad that last season I didn’t feature in any game in the Big League.

“But I am pretty much sure I will do all that it takes with my fellow players, coaches to maintain our team in the league since it’s our first season in UPL.”

Ramathan Yakubu, Isaac Doka Mweru and Waiswa Kasongo are the other players who have been signed.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has urged clubs to act fast and ensure their new players are registered since time to complete the process is elapsing.

The Federation has revealed a big percentage of teams from all divisions have not yet done what is expected of them, with less than two weeks left for the window to be closed.

"With 10 days remaining before the transfer window is closed, 55 out of 70 teams have not completed the signing of players in our system," TFF said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"The transfer window, in preparation for the 2020/21 season, for teams in the Tanzania Mainland League, the women's top-tier, first and second divisions are set to be closed on August 31."

Among the teams that have not managed to complete the process are 2014 league champions Azam FC and current champions Simba SC, the newly promoted teams as well as a big number of teams in the women's top tier.

"In the [Tanzania Mainland League] teams that have not started the registering process are Azam, Biashara United, Coastal Union, Dodoma Jiji, Gwambina, Ihefu, Kagera Sugar, KMC, Mbeya City, Mwadui, Namungo, Polisi Tanzania, Ruvu Shooting and Simba SC.

"[In the Women Premier League] we have Alliance Girls, Baobab Queens, Kigoma Sisters, JKT Queens, Ruvuma Queens, Tanzanite, TSC Queens and Yanga Princess."

The TFF has further confirmed they will not extend the signing period for teams.

"All teams are urged to effectively use the set period for signings since there will be no extension."

TFF picked September 9 as the date to kick off the 2020-21 Mainland Premier League campaign.

The top-flight will kick off the season on Sunday, September 6.

However, before the season gets underway, champions Simba SC will take on Namungo FC in the Community Shield season opener on August 29, 2020.

The Division One league will then kick off on October 3, 2020, while the last division will start on November 7, 2020.

The domestic Cup, which is referred to as the Azam Cup, will start on November 28, 2020, while the mid-season transfer window will open on December 12, 2020, and will close on January 15, 2021.

Simba SC, who won three titles – Mainland Premier League, Community Shield, and FA Cup – in the recently concluded campaign, will be keen to retain the titles when the season gets underway.

Simba won the league with six matches to spare after their closest challengers Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Azam FC failed to reach their tally of points, and they ended the season with 88 points, while Yanga came second and Azam third.

New Onduparaka FC signing Kennedy Atibuni has assured fans he is going to work very hard and ensure they get good results.

Atibuni was signed in a three-year deal and has given an example of his lethal partnership with the former Onduparaka star Muhamad Shaban as the reason why his arrival is set to yield more goals and assists.

“I promise the fans to give my all when I am given the chance to play,” Atibuni told Football256.

“I love scoring goals. My game is about attacking and I always look to create chances. Therefore, I promise more goals and assists.

“For example, during the Arua district Post Primary games in 2014 where [Muhamad] Shaban won the Golden Boot, I provided him with 10 assists as he emerged top scorer with 16 goals.

“During the Copa Coca Cola games in 2014 where he was voted Most Valuable Player with eight goals, I assisted him with three.”

At Diamond Stars, Atibuni scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists when he featured in 45 games in a three-year stint at the club.

Last season, he had four goals and was the captain of Diamond Stars who fought and survived as they finished ninth in the Nyagak Group.

The star launched his career seven years ago as he played for Alpha Rising Stars in the 2013/14 season before he was signed by Dove All-Stars, a Fufa Big League side, for the 2016/17 campaign.

He was released by Dove All-Stars after he was jailed for engaging in a chaotic incident with the Brian White Foundation two years ago.

Although the Big League side wanted to sign him again, he picked the Arua-based Premier League side instead.

“Making the decision to join Onduparaka was easy because I have desired for long to play for this club and it is a dream come true,” Atibuni said.

“Of course, Doves All-Stars were interested, they approached me but it’s all about choice, to see where you can play and market yourself more.

“I chose Onduparaka because they play at the highest level in the country and that’s the place to expose myself.” 

He was the third signing after the initial arrivals of Musema Bonny and Jerry Jakisa.

Bournemouth will start life back in the Championship at home to Blackburn Rovers, while Watford host Middlesbrough and Norwich City travel to Huddersfield Town.

The Cherries were relegated after a five-year stay in the Premier League, while Watford and Norwich were also demoted in a top-flight campaign that was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

That halt means the new Championship season starts on September 12, with beaten play-off finalists Brentford travelling to Birmingham City on the opening day, while south Wales rivals Cardiff City and Swansea City – who also made the top six – host Sheffield Wednesday and visit Preston North End respectively.

Wycombe Wanderers – playing in the second tier for the first time – welcome fellow new boys Rotherham United for their first game, while Coventry City's return to the Championship starts with a trip to Bristol City.

Derby County and Barnsley start at home against Reading and Luton Town, with Stoke City and Nottingham Forest heading to London to face Millwall and QPR.

Bournemouth host Norwich in the third round of matches, the same weekend Watford renew acquaintances with fierce rivals Luton.

Watford and the Canaries face off at Vicarage Road on December 26. Elsewhere in the traditional Boxing Day fixtures, Bournemouth host Millwall and Brentford travel to Cardiff.

In other battles between the relegated sides, Bournemouth travel to Watford on October 24, with the return fixture at the Vitality Stadium on February 27. Norwich and the Cherries will clash at Carrow Road towards the end of the campaign, on April 17.

Norwich and Watford will face off in East Anglia on April 20, with both sides hoping to be amid a battle to return to the Premier League at that point, as the fixture comes with just four games remaining of the Championship season.

The three relegated teams will hope to be in the promotion hunt come the final day on May 8, with Bournemouth and Watford at home to Stoke and Swansea, while Norwich go to Barnsley.

Brentford, who came so close to promotion to the Premier League only to be denied by Fulham at Wembley, end the 2020-21 league season away to Bristol City.

Notoriously one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, all 24 clubs in the Championship will be eyeing their final round of fixtures - along with all 45 other scheduled matches - as a possible date of celebration as they aim for elevation to the top level of English football.

Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal have “huge potential” and “no limits”, with the Spaniard encouraged by the progress made at Emirates Stadium during the early months of his reign.

A familiar face was returned to north London in December 2019 as the Gunners sought to find further inspiration in a coaching capacity.

With Arsene Wenger departed and Unai Emery struggling as the Frenchman’s successor, the Premier League heavyweights needed to get their latest appointment right.

Arteta has delivered FA Cup success and European qualification, while efforts are now being made to freshen up a squad in need of a serious facelift – with a deal already done for experienced Brazilian forward Willian.

Arsenal fans are daring to dream once more, with a team that has struggled for consistency over several years seemingly heading in the right direction.

Quizzed by Arsenal Digital on how he has turned things around and his hopes for the future, Arteta said: “The first thing was that I got everyone together, the staff and the players, and I told them what I thought about them and why this wasn't working. If we were going to continue like this, it was never going to work.

“The first thing we had to do was get back all together with the same agenda and with the same intentions. The foundations have to be really strong in order to create something and we started to do that. I explained my view of how we could do it, we could change things and monitor them daily, but we started to apply some things and they really started to work.

“We had to create the right culture for our club and it has to be an environment that first of all everybody has to respect each other, that we have to work together and we have to express the passion and how we lucky we are to be where we are. That's the first one to start with.

“Without that unity, we cannot drive this massive ship that we have to manage with Arsenal, and the expectations that are involved with the club. The moment we started to do that, I started to change a few things that, for me, were really relevant. The players got behind them, the staff got behind them and we started to see some results straight away.

“As well, we have to identify our weaknesses and our strengths, and they have to be aware of our weaknesses. We can have weaknesses that we have to hide but we cannot have weaknesses within our structure of our club.

“Then we have to maximise our strengths, that we have a lot of, and at that moment I didn't believe that we were doing that. We have huge potential, we have no limits, it depends on us, not the opponent or other clubs. It depends on our stats and that was something that needed to change, so that's what I was encouraging all the time, to do that.”

Arsenal have discovered their Premier League schedule for 2020-21, with a side that will have a Community Shield date with champions Liverpool to take in on August 29 set to open up a new top-flight campaign with a trip to London rivals Fulham on September 12.